Wigan to Kirkstall, Leeds & Liverpool Canal

We have had significant and sustained rainfall in the North West over the last couple of weeks that has improved our reservoir holdings sufficiently to ensure we have enough water for the remainder of the boating season. We are pleased to advise we have removed the operating times and padlocks from the following locks, allowing free flowing navigation along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal:

• Johnson Hillocks
• Blackburn Locks
• Barrowford Locks
• Greenberfield Locks
• Bank Newton Locks
• Gargrave Lock

The following flights will continue to operate at the times stated below:

North West

Wigan Flight:

• Open at 8am, close at 4pm. Last entry 12pm

Yorkshire & North East

Bingley 3 & 5 Rise Summer Opening Times:

Morning

• Passages down the lock flights between 08:00-10:00, last entry at 09:00.
• Passages up the lock flights between 10:00-12:00, last entry at 11:00.

Afternoon

• Passages down the lock flight between 13:00-15:00, last entry at 14:00.
• Passages up the lock flight between 15:00-17:00, last entry at 16:00.

Newlay, Forge and Kirkstall Locks Summer Opening Times:

Available for self-operation between the hours of 08:00 and 16:00 daily. However, there will be roving lock keepers between Leeds & Newlay to offer assistance through the locks if required.

Please note that the locks will be padlocked at 16:00 every evening.

We ask all boaters to help us manage our water efficiently by doubling up in locks and ensuring all paddles are left down and locked where possible.

Please be advised, due to the combined effect of reduced reservoir capacity for essential maintenance and continued low rainfall the Operating Times for the locks along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal will start Friday 7 May. These are as follows:

North West

• Wigan Lock Flight - Open at 8am, close at 4pm. Last entry 12pm
• Johnsons Hillock Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Blackburn Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Barrowford Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Greenberfield Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm

Yorkshire & North East

• Bank Newton Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Gargrave Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm

To find out more information on the Operating Times for the Yorkshire & North Locks please see the following links:

• Bingley 5 & 3 Rise
• Newlay, Forge & Kirkstall

By implementing these Operating Times, we hope it will allow our customers to plan their journey knowing what to expect over the summer months as our teams continue to work hard to conserve water at every opportunity.

You can help us conserve water by:

• Sharing locks where possible and making the best use of the water available.
• Ensuring paddles are fully closed once they have passed through a lock.
• Aiming for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as they pass through. Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.

Our teams will continue to monitor our reservoir holdings throughout the season. Please note, these initial operating times will remain under review and could be subject to change.

LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL – OPERATING TIMES 2021

Whilst essential maintenance works continue to reservoirs which supply the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Operating Times on the North West Lock Flights will be implemented in the coming weeks to be able to provide a sustainable water resource.

Following feedback from boaters, businesses, and other waterway users it has been agreed the initial Operating Times will be implemented to the following lock flights from 10am to 6pm daily, whilst reservoir repair works are ongoing.

• Greenberfield Lock Flight
• Barrowford Lock Flight
• Blackburn Lock Flight
• Johnsons Hillock Lock Flight
• Wigan Lock Flight

We will endeavour to give our customers at least two weeks’ notice prior to the introduction of these times.

By implementing these Operating Times, we hope it will allow our customers to plan their journey knowing what to expect over the summer months as our teams continue to work hard to conserve water at every opportunity.

You can help us conserve water by:

• Sharing locks where possible and making the best use of the water available.
• Ensuring paddles are fully closed once they have passed through a lock.
• Aiming for minimal contact when navigating through locks by ensuring gates are fully open as they pass through. Pushing gates open using a boat can damage the gate lining, increasing its leakage.

Our teams will continue to monitor our reservoir holdings throughout the season. Please note, these initial operating times will remain under review and could be subject to change.

Should the situation deteriorate, reduced Operating Times may need to be considered:

• Greenberfield Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Barrowford Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Blackburn Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm
• Johnsons Hillock Lock Flight - Open at 10am, close at 6pm. Last entry 5pm

Wigan Lock Flight

• 8am – 10am for entry into the Lock Flight only
• 2pm –4pm for exit Lock Flight only